Laptop support device

ABSTRACT

A laptop support device secures a laptop for use in a vehicle. The device provides vertical and horizontal stability and presents the laptop in an open configuration for viewing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for supporting a laptop from a vehicle headrest. In particular, the present invention is a system which supports a laptop between two headrests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There have been a number of patents directed towards computer transport systems. For the most part, advancements have been directed to the protection of a laptop computer system through either a rigid exterior or cushioned interior of a laptop case. As computers become more capable and able to display moving images and sounds from a variety of sources, there is an accompanying need to be able to access the digital contents in the memory of the computer or on various forms of removable media. Consumer electronics are typically not as upgradeable as a computer. Additionally, most consumer electronics are not networked, and therefore are not able to download content from sources via the internet.

It is therefore needed to provide a way to both secure and display a laptop in mobile environment. There have been a few inventions directed to securing a laptop device while allowing the laptop computer to be viewed by a user.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,796,473 and 6,659,319 are directed to a laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,275 is directed to an apparatus for connecting a laptop computer to a communications network for access by a seated user in a mobile platform. A cord reel assembly within the seat headrest includes a user interface retractable through the headrest and a user connector for connecting the laptop thereto.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0001137 is directed to a notebook travel harness. The device discloses a central restraint with a top opening and U shaped straps. The device uses buckles and straps to contain the notebook, and discloses use of the device in a vehicle. The device however, overlaps the keyboard of the invention.

U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20040094591 and 20030038149 are directed to a laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle.

While the above inventions are directed to securing a laptop, or connecting a computer device to a network, none of the above publications disclose a non-occlusive apparatus for displaying and securing a laptop in a vehicle. What is needed is a versatile and inexpensive device for utilizing a laptop computer to display sounds and images in a vehicle while minimizing the interference with the operation and viewing of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a laptop support device for supporting a laptop computer. The invention is defined by the appended claims with a specific embodiment shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention is directed to a laptop support device for use in a vehicle. The device utilizes webbing with both fixed and removable attachments to secure the device to a laptop and to secure the device to a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the device is secured to a vehicle seat by way of a hook and loop fastener removably attached to a post of a vehicle seat head rest. The device of the invention is sized to receive a laptop computer in an opened configuration. The webbing of the invention secures the laptop vertically, and an elastic member provides tension to secure the laptop horizontally without obscuring the display of the laptop computer. The invention provides an optimal viewing position for passengers for example in the back seat of an automobile. The device of the present invention is very cost effective and lightweight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a view of the device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the front of the device of the invention in use; and

FIG. 3 is a view of the rear of the device of the invention in use.

FIG. 4 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of an additional embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The invention can be practiced with any available textile, but in a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is comprised of nylon straps or nylon webbing. FIG. 1 presents four strap pieces. Horizontal support member 10 has a right extension 12 and left extension 14. Right extension 12 has hook and loop fastener material attached at 15 and 16. Left extension 14 has hook and loop fastener material attached at 17 and 18. In use, right extension 12 attaches the device to a right side seat (not pictured) and left extension 14 attaches the device to a left side seat (not pictured).

Vertical support member 20 is fixedly attached to horizontal support member 10 at a first attachment point 51. Horizontal support member 10 and vertical support member 20 are also attached at point 52, 53, and 54. Vertical support member 20 is internally reinforced by right side rigid member 26 and left side rigid member 27. The rigid members 26, 27 provide rigidity and reduce swinging of the device in use.

Right support arm 22 is fixedly attached to right extension 12 and vertical support member 20. Left support arm 24 is fixedly attached to left extension 14 and vertical support member 20. Support arms 22, 24 provide additional stability. Having a single attachment point on each side of vertical support member 20 would provide an axis about which the device could swing. Support arms 22, 24 create a wider area of support to increase stability of the device.

Lower support member 30 is removably attached to vertical support member 20 at front locations 33 and 35. Lower support member 30 is fixedly attached to vertical support member 20 at 31 and 32. It is an advantage of the present invention that lower support member 30 passes around the back of the laptop device and does not cover or interfere with the keyboard controls or dr4ive bays of the laptop. Cross member 40 is fixedly attached to vertical support member 20 at 41 and 42. It is another advantage of the device that cross member 40 is positioned at the bottom of a laptop device. It does not therefore interfere with the operation of the laptop.

Elastic tensioning member 60 is provided to tension the device to a laptop (not shown). Elastic tensioning member 60 is threaded through cinching adjustable connector 61. Cinching adjustable connector 61 has an internal spring biasing the connector to a closed orientation and releasably binding the adjustable connector 61 to elastic member 60.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the front of the device of the invention in use. Right extension 12 is secured to right seat head rest post 13. Left extension 14 is secured to left seat head rest post 15. Right support arm 22 is attached to right extension 12 and vertical support member 20 at a point not shown. Left support arm 24 is attached to left extension 14 and vertical support member 20 at a point not shown. Elastic tensioning member 60 secures the top of laptop 80 to the vertical support member 20. The advantage of elastic tensioning member 60 is that it provides adjustable support to the laptop device. Elastic tensioning member 60 can be attached to a vehicle part to provide added stability. It is an advantage of the present invention that the elastic tensioning member 60 provides vibration damping as well as prevents the entire device from swaying about the support of right support arm 22 and left support arm 24. Cross member 40 is shown at the bottom of laptop 80. Sections 20 a and 20 b of vertical support member 20 are also shown securing the bottom of laptop 80.

FIG. 3 presents a view of the back of the device of the invention in use. Vertical support member 20 is shown surrounding the outer edge of laptop 80. Elastic support member 60 is shown passing through cinching adjustable connector 61.

A first set of loops 25 on the right side of vertical support member 20 and a second set of loops 27 on the left side of vertical support member 20 allow for the vertically adjustable placement of elastic support member 60. Elastic tensioning member 60 is threaded through one of the sets of loops 25, 27 corresponding to a desired vertical height within the support unit. In its optimum placement, elastic tensioning member 60 should secure the top of laptop 80 without occluding the display area of the laptop 80. The plurality of loops 25 and 27 provide several vertical placement options and allow for optimal vertical placement of elastic tensioning member 60. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic tensioning member is made from elastic shock cord.

Right extension 12 is shown attached to post 13. Left extension arm 14 is shown attached to post 15. Horizontal support member 10 is shown supporting the back side of laptop 80 and attached to vertical support member 20 at 51 and 53. Lower support member 30 is shown supporting the back of laptop 80 and attached to vertical support member 20 at 31 and 32. Elastic tensioning member 60 can be strung around vehicle seat part 91 and vehicle seat part 92, and the ends of elastic tensioning member joined by cinching adjustable connector 61.

FIG. 4 presents an alternate embodiment of the device of the invention in use. Elastic tensioning member 60 can be connected to the device at a second location at lower support member 30. Elastic tensioning member 60 passes through right opening 35 and left opening 36 and is secured by cinching adjustable connector 61 to provide an additional attachment point. This increases the stability of the device and further dampens the movement and sway associated with vehicle movement.

FIG. 5 presents an additional embodiment of the invention. In some vehicles where the seat head rest is fixed in position and does not include head rest posts, elastic loop 71 is provided to wrap around a seat head rest. Buckle 72 has a first end 74 to receive the elastic loop 71 and a second end 76 to receive strap 12. In this way, the device of the invention can be adapted for use in a variety of environments including vehicles with integrated seat head rests.

There are many features and advantages of the present invention. One of the primary advantages is that the device will not hinder the use of the keyboard controls nor the drive bays of a laptop computer when the device is in use.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A laptop support device comprising: a strapping unit securing a laptop; a left strap connected to the strapping unit to wrap around a left vehicle seat member; and a right strap connected to the strapping unit to wrap around a right vehicle seat member.
 2. A laptop support device as in claim 1 wherein the strapping unit comprises: a vertical support member connected to said left strap and said right strap.
 3. A laptop support device as in claim 2 wherein the strapping unit further comprises: an elastic tensioning member removably connected to said vertical support member to wrap around the laptop.
 4. A laptop support device as in claim 3 wherein: said vertical support member is fixedly attached to a horizontal support member.
 5. A laptop support device as in claim 3 wherein: said vertical support member is fixedly attached to a lower support member.
 6. A laptop support device as in claim 3 wherein: said vertical support member is fixedly attached to a cross member.
 7. A laptop support device as in claim 3 wherein: said elastic tensioning member further comprises an adjustable connector.
 8. A laptop support device as in claim 3 wherein: said elastic tensioning member is connected to a vertical support member through at least one of a plurality of loops formed on said vertical support member.
 9. A laptop support device as in claim 1 wherein: said right strap is supported by a right support arm connected to said right strap and a vertical support member and said left strap is supported by a left support arm connected to said vertical support member.
 10. A laptop support device as in claim 7 wherein: said adjustable connector further comprises a spring biasing a press button towards said elastic tensioning member and towards a closed orientation to secure said adjustable connector to said elastic tensioning member.
 11. A laptop support device comprising: a harness means for securing a laptop; and a connection means to secure the laptop between two car seats.
 12. A laptop support device comprising: a vertical support strap to hold a laptop computer; at least one horizontal support strap attached to said vertical support strap for attaching to a vehicle part; and a tensioning member to secure horizontal position of a laptop computer within said vertical support strap wherein said tensioning member does not contact the keyboard of the laptop computer.
 13. A laptop support device as in claim 12 wherein: said at least one horizontal support strap comprises a right support strap and a left support strap.
 14. A laptop support device as in claim 13 wherein: said right support strap comprises hook and loop fastener portions to releasably secure said right strap to said vehicle part and said left support strap comprises hook and loop fastener portions to releasably secure said left support strap to a second vehicle part.
 15. A laptop support device as in claim 14 further comprising: a lower support strap connected to said vertical support strap at a rear location and releasably connected to said vertical support strap with hook and loop fasteners at a front location.
 16. A laptop support device as in claim 15 further comprising: a right side elastic loop passing through a right side buckle, said right side buckle releasable secured to said right support strap; and a left side elastic loop passing through a left side buckle, said left side buckle releasable secured to said left support strap, wherein said elastic loop is suitable for placement over a seat top portion. 